Manually manipulatable device for cutting name and address bearing labels from a rolled printed strip



June 1951 w. SEIGENTHALER 2,556,401

. MANUALLY MANIPULATABLE DEVICE FOR CUTTING NAME AND ADDRESS BEARING LABELS FROM A ROLLED PRINTED STRIP I Filed March 25, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 2,556,401 AND 7 June 12, 1951 w. SEIGENTHALER MANUALLY MANIPULATABLE DEVICE FOR CUTTING NAME ADDRESS BEARING LABELS FROM A ROLLED PRINTED STRIP 4 Sheets-Sheet '2 Filed March 23, 1948 6 {9671 za/er June 12, 1951 w. SEIGENTHALER 2, ,4

MANUALLY MANIPULATABLE DEVICE FOR CUTTING NAME AND ADDRESS BEARING LABELS FROM A ROLLED PRINTED STRIP Filed March 23, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 l o A 6 5 2D .m

June 12, 1951 w. SEIGENTHALER MANUALLY MANIPULATABLE DEVICE FOR CUTTING NAME ADDRESS BEARING LABELS FROM A ROL Filed March 23, 1948 LED PRINTED STRIP 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 'lull .llllr llll I Inc/@7225) Patented June 12, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT" QFFEQE MANUALLY MANIPULATABLE DEVICE iPOR CUTTING NAME AND ADDRESS BEAR ING LABELS FROM A ROLLED PRINTED STRIP 3 Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to devices for applying name and address bearing labels to newspapers, magazines or like articles preparatory to mailing. More particularly the invention relates to that type of mailing device which is adapted to be manipulated manually, operates automatically each time it is placed with downward pressure or force on an article to be mailed to cut a label with paste on its bottom surface from a printed paper strip in roll form and to press the cut label downwards into adhering relation with the subjacent article, and comprises as its principal components or parts: (1) a horizontally elongated frame which has a flat article engaging bottom, embodies at its rear end means for rotatably retaining or supporting the rolled strip, and is provided at the top thereof with a longitudinally extending handle whereby the device may be manually manipulated in connection with use thereof; (2) a paste containing receptacle which is removably mounted within the central portion of the frame and has associated therewith a paste applying roller over which the front end of the rolled strip passes for paste receiving purposes; (3) two coacting feed rolls which are positioned one above the other and in front of the paste containing receptacle, are arranged and adapted to have the free end of the rolled strip pass therebetween, are geared together for conjoint drive in opposite directions, and have associated with them a ratchet unit whereby when the device is lifted from an article to be mailed after a label applying operation, they are driven to a limited extent in order to feed the free end of the printed strip a predetermined distance forwards; (4) a horizontal knife bar which is fixedly connected to, and extends transversely across, the front end of the frame, and is adapted to have the free end of the printed strip fed over it by the feed rolls; and (5) an elongated coacting knife which is pivoted adjacent one end of the fixed knife bar to swing upwards and downwards and is controlled automatically in such manner that each time the device is placed on an article to be mailed with downward pressure it swings downwards and coacts with the fixed knife bar to shear or cut a label from the free end of the rolled strip and presses the label into adhering relation with the article.

One object of the invention is to provide a mailing device of this type which is an improvement upon, and has certain inherent advantages over, previously designed devices for the same 'lll rpose and is characterized by anovel arrangement of parts and ease of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mailing device of the type under consideration in which the handle at the top of the frame is pivoted at its rear endso asto swing upwards and downwards and is so. operatively connected to the pivoted knife that it operates when swung downwards relative to the frame, to swing the pivoted knife downwards for label cutting and applying purposes.

Another object of the invention i to provide a mailing device of the last mentioned type and character in which the operating connection between the pivoted handle and the pivoted knife embodies a link which is connected to, and depends from, the front end of the handle, and a flat plate variety arm which underlies the handle, extends lengthwise of the frame, is pivoted at its rear end to swing vertically, and has its front end pivotally connected to the lower end of the link.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mailing device of the type and character under consideration in which the vertically swinging arm that constitutes a part of the operating connection between the handle and the pivoted knife embodies at its front end a roller which rides on a cam surface on the pivoted knife and operates in response to downward swinging of the arm by the handle to swing the pivoted knife downwards so that it coacts with the fixed knife bar to cut a label from the free end of the rolled strip.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mailing device of the aforementioned type in which the pawl of the ratchet unit for driving the feed rolls in response to lifting of the device after a label cutting and applying operation is pivotally mounted on the vertically swinging arm and operates to turn the ratchet wheel of the ratchet unit when the arm is swung upwards into its normal position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mailing device of the type and characterunder consideration in which the pivoted knife is urged,

upwards by way of a coil variety spring which operates through the medium of the pivoted arm and the cam surface and rollerto swing upwards or retract the arm and the handle after the handle is released or raised at the conclusion of a,

3 mailing device will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a mailing device embodying the invention, certain parts being broken away and other parts being shown in section for purposes of illustration;

Figure 2 is a horizontal section of the front end of the mailing device;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2 and illustrating in detail the manner in which the free end of the rolled strip passes over the paste applying roller and between the two feed rolls;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary front view of the mailing device, showing the pivoted knife in its raised position;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the handle and plate variety arm after they have been swung downwards relatively to the frame in order to swing downwards the pivoted knife;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary front view showing the pivoted knife in its down or cutting position;

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse section on the line i--l of Figure 1; and

Figure 8 is a perspective of the removable unit consisting of the paste retaining receptacle and the means for rotatably retaining or supporting the rolled printed strip which, in connection with repeated use of the device, is successively cut or severed by the coacting knife and knife bar into labels.

The device which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention. It is known in the art as a mailer or mailing device and operates to cut name and addless bearing labels from an elongated printed strip of paper and to apply the cut labels to newspapers, magazines or other articles preparatory to mailing. The printed paper strip from which the labels are cut by the device is in the form of a roll. It is designated in the drawing by the reference letter S and has names and addresses printed on it so that they are spaced equidistantly apart and extend transversely of the strip. The device is adapted in connection with repeated use thereof to cut the strip transversely at points between the name and address printings. In general the mailing device is adapted to be manipulated manually by an operator. As its principal parts the device comprises a horizontally elongated frame 18, a removable unit I l, a pair of feed rolls l2 and 3, a fixed knife bar i l, a pivoted knife iii, a handle I6, and an operating connection I! between the handle and the pivoted knife.

The elongated frame If) is preferably in the form of a one-piece metal casting and consists of a bottom is and a pair of sides [9 and 2f]. The bottom [8 of the frame is flat. It has parallel side margins and is adapted in connection with use of the mailing device to be placed flatly on the article to which a label is to be applied preparatory to mailing'of the article. The sides I9 and 2c of the frame are formed integrally with, and project upwards from, the side margins of the bottom [8 and are disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation. The rear ends of the sides are of materially greater height than the front ends in order that the front end of the frame is, in effect, open sided. The rear end of the frame is open in order to permit insertion and removal of the unit H. g

. The unit I l is preferably formed of sheet metal and when in use it is disposed within the central portion and rear end of the horizontally elongated frame lfil As shown in the drawing the unit ll comprises a bottom wall 2i and a pair of side walls 22. The side walls are arranged in parallel and spaced apart relation and are welded to the side margins of the bottom wall. They are spaced apart slightly less than the sides l9 and 2B of the frame in order that the unit I I may be slid readily into and out of place as hereinafter described. The rear ends of the side walls are of materially greater height than the front ends and are shaped conformably to, but are of less area than, the rear ends of the sides [9 and 28 of the frame. The unit [I is adapted to he slid into place through the open rear end of the frame Hi. It is retained loosely in place to the end that it may be readily removed from its normal or operative position by sliding it rearwards relatively to the frame. The front end of the bottom wall 21 of the unit I l is bent upwards at right angles to form a front wall 23 for the unit. The central part of the bottom wall is bent or deflected upwards in order to form an inverted V-shaped partition 24. The front portion of this partition defines with the front wall 23, the front end of the bottom wall 2i and the front ends of the side walls 22 an open top receptacle 25. The latter is adapted partially to be filled with liquid variety paste (see Figure 3) and has associated with it a horizontally extending paste applying roller 26. The latter is rotatably supported by way of trunnions 21 which are connected to, and project outwards from, the ends of the roller 25 and are removably journalled in U-shaped bearings on the side walls 22 of the unit Ii. The roller 26 is positioned so thatthe lower portion thereof is immersed in the paste in the receptacle 25. The front end of the rolled strip S is adapted to travel forwards over the upper portion of the roller. During forward travel of the free end of the strip it rotates the roller and receives a coating of paste on its bottom surface. A cross rod 28 extends across the rear portion of the receptacle 25 and has its ends suitably secured to the side walls 22 of the unit ll. It is located between the front portion of the upstanding partition 24 and the rear portion of the paste applying roller 26 and is adapted to have the free end of the rolled strip pass under it. As best shown in Figure 3 the cross rod 28 serves to guide the free end of the strip S so that in connection with forward feed or travel thereof it passes over and effects rotation of the paste applying roller 25. The rear portion of the upstanding partition 24 defines with the rear end of the bottom wall 21 and the rear ends of the side walls 22 a compartment 29 for the rolled portion of the strip S. Such portion of the strip is loosely retained within the compartment to the end that it is free to rotate in connection with feed or paying out of the free end of the strip. The rolled portion of the strip is insertable into the compartment 29 through the rear end of the compartment. An elongated upstanding gate 30 serves as a removable closure for the compartment 29 and functions to hold the rolled strip S in the compartment. The lower end of the gate 30 is bent into the. form of atube 3 and this surrounds, and is rotatable with respect to, a cross pin 32 and serves so pi-votally to support the gate that the latter is free to swing rearwards and downwards into an open position and forwards and upwards into a closed position, as shown in full lines in Figures 1, 7 and 8. The cross pin 32 is disposed adjacent the lower portions of the rear ends of the side walls 22 and has its ends welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the side walls. Inward swinging of the gate 30 is limited byway of a horizontally extending cross pin 33 which is located an appreciable distance above. the cross pin 32 and has its ends fixedly secured to the upper portions of the rear ends of the side walls 22. A coil spring- 34 serves to urge the gate 30 into its closed position. This spring is-mounted on the cross pin 5. 2 and has one end suitably anchored in place and its other end in abutment with the lower end of the gate. When it is desired to remove the rolled portion of. the strip S from the compartment 29 the gate 30 is swung against the force of the spring 3 1 rearwards and downwards into its open position. This uncovers the rear of the compartment 2% so that the rolled portion of the strip may be removed from it. When the gate 30 is released after it has. been swung into its open position the spring 34 operates to swing the gate upwards and forwards into itsclosed position wherein the upper end thereof abuts against the cross pin 33. When it is desired to remove the unit l i from the frame in order to clean the receptacle and the paste applying roller 25 or to introduce paste into the receptacle the unit is slid rearwards through the open rear end of the frame. When it is desired to insert the uni-t I! into place the front ends of the side walls 22 are inserted between the rear ends of the sides is and 26 of the frame and the unit is then slid forwards so as to bring it into its normal position wherein it is disposed within the central portion and the rear end of the frame.

The two feed rolls I2 and I3 are located at the front end of the frame Iii and operate, as hereinafter described, to feed the free end of the strip S forwards a predetermined distance after eachuse of the mailing device. The roll 42 overlies, and is of materially larger diameter than, the roll [3. It is keyed or otherwise fixedly secured to a horizontal shaft 35, the ends of which are journalled in aligned or coaxial circular holes in the upper portions of the front ends of the sides of the frame. The feed roll l3 has at its ends trunnions 36 and these extend loosely through horizontally aligned vertically elongated holes 3"! inthe frame sides l9 and 29 and serve to support the feed roll l3 so that itis free to rotate while at the same time it is movable bodily to and from the upper feed roll 12. A coil variety spring 38 serves to urge the lower end of the feed roll I3 towards the upper feed roll l2. This spring embodies a lower laterally extending end 39, an upper laterally extending end 46- and a coil proper 4|. The lower end 39 abuts against the bottom iii of the frame l0 and the upper end t3 bears against the central portion of the lower feed roll l3. The coil proper 4| of the spring 33 surrounds a horizontal crossrodrlZ, the ends of which are suitably fixedly connected to the sides of the frame. The crossrod 42 has a twofold purpose in that it serves not only to support and hold in place the spring 38 but also to form a stop for limitingv inward or forward sliding movement of 6: the unit H with respect to the frame 16. The free end of the strip S, after travelling over the roller 23 for paste receiving purposes, passes between the feed rolls l2 and [3. In order to insert the free end of the strip between the feed rolls it is necessary to shift the lower feed roll 13 downwards against the force of the spring 38. A horizontal shaft 43 and a finger 44 serve as a medium or instrumentality for shifting the lower feed roll l3 downwards in connection with insertion of the free end of the strip S between the two feed rolls. The shaft 63 extends loosely through aligned or coaxial holes 45 in the sides I9 and 20 of the frame (see Figures 4 and 6 and 1 has at one end thereof an upstanding 1ever-like arm 2.5 whereby it may be turned back and forth. As best shown in Figures 3 and l, the shaft 43 is located directly in front of the lower feed roll l3. The finger 34 is connected to, and projects rearwards from, the central portion of the shaft 43 and has the rear end thereof positioned over the lower feed roll l3. When the arm is swung rsarwards the shaft 43 is rotated to a limited extend in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 8 and operates through the medium of the fingers at to shift downwards the lower feed roll 31 As soon as the arm 36 is released the U shaped spring 38 shifts the lower feed roll up wards into its normal position or wherein it and the upper feed roll are in contacting relation with the free end of the strip. The two feed rolls are geared together for conjoint rotation in opposit. r tions by way of a gear 47 and a pinion 38. The gear t? is fixedly connected to one end of the horizontal shaft 35. It is the same in diameter as the upper feed roll IL and is disposed outwards of the side iii of the frame Hi. The pinion it is fixedly connected to one of the trunnions 35 and meshes with, and is driven by, the gear ii. The diameter of the pinion 48 is the same as the diameter of the lower feed roll' 53 and the teeth of the pinion are suficiently lonif that they remain in mesh with the teeth of the gear ll in connection with lowering of the lower feed roll. A ratchet unit 49, described more in detail hereafter, serves automatically to drive or rotate the feed rolls for strip feed purposes after each use of the mailing device. This unit is lo-- cated directly outwards of the side E9 of the frame if].

The knife bar I l is located directly forwards of the coacting feed rolls l2 and i3 and extends horizontally. It rests on, and is fixedly secured to, the front end of the frame bottom 8. The front margin of the knife bar overhangs the front end edge of the frame bottom and is bevelled in order to form a forwardly facing cutting edge 59. The free end of the strip 8, after passing the feed rolls l2 and I3, is guided toward pastcutting edge 56 of the knife bar as by a rectilinear series of equidistantly spaced guide wires 55. These wires overlie the fixed knife bar Hi and are upwardly and rearwardly inclined. The lower or front ends of the wires are bent over or doubled back and have the extremities thereof welded to the central portion of the upper surface of the knife bar. The unper or rear ends of the guide forming wires 5! are bent downwards at right angles and extend through holes in the shaft 63.

The pivoted knife i5 is located in front of the fixed knife bar i i and is pivotally supported for up and down swinging movement by way of a horizontal rock shaft 52. The latter etztiands lengthwise of the frame it and is disposed ont-- wards of the front portion of the lower margin of the frame side l9. The central portion of the rock shaft is journalled in a pair of bearings 53. These bearings are formed integrally with, and project outwards from, the frame side is. The front end of the rock shaft extends through a cylindrical open ended socket 54 in one end of the knife i5. A pin 55 extends transversely through said one end of the knife and the front end of the rock shaft and serves fixedly to connect the knife to the rock shaft. When the knife H is swung downwards the rear edge thereof coacts with the cutting edge 59 of the knife bar M to sever a label from the free end of the rolled strip S. It is contemplated that when a name and address bearing label is to be applied to an article to be mailed the frame It will be placed on the article. Thereafter the pivoted knife 15 is swung downwards so as to sever the label from the strip. What may be termed the under or bottom surface of the knife i5 is flat to the end that when the knife i5 is swung downwards in connection with a label severing operation it presses the severed label flatly against the article. The pressure which is exerted by the knife 15 after a label severing operation serves to bring the coating of paste on the bottom surface of the label into contact with the article so that it, in turn, operates to fix the label in place. When the knife i5 is swung fully downwards in connection with cutting and application of a label it extends horizontally, as shown in Figure 6. The pivoted knife i5 is urged upwards into its normal or non-cutting position by way of a coil variety spring 55.

The latter surrounds the rear end of the rock shaft 52 and has one end thereof operatively connected to the rock shaft by way of a trans verse pin 5?. The other end of the coil variety spring 55 extends tangentially and abuts against the side is of the frame i0. A horizontally and longitudinally extending screw 58 extends through a laterally projecting lug 59 on the central portion of the frame side i9 and is arranged so that one end thereof abuts against the rear end of the rock shaft. The purpose of the screw 58 is to effect longitudinal adjustment of the rock shaft in order properly to position the inner or rear edge of the pivoted knife 5 with respect to the cutting edge 55 of the fixed knife bar it. The upper side of the pivoted knife i5 embodies an integral cam surface 69. The latter extends lengthwise of the knife 15 and is in the form of a web. It is tapered so far as general configuration is concerned and is arranged so that the large end thereof is disposed adjacent the proximal end of the knife. The purpose of the cam sun face 88 will be described in detail hereafter.

The handle Ii; overlies the central portion of the frame 18 and extends lengthwise of the frame. lit is disposed midway between the frame sides It and and is pivotally supported by way of a horizontal pivot pin 6! to swing upwards and downwards relatively to the frame. The pivot pin 8i extends through aligned holes in the upper portions of the rear ends of the frame sides i9 and 23 and the rear end of the handle 46. The handle is adapted to be grasped in connection with manual manipulation of the mailing device and operates in connection with downward swinging thereof through the medium of the operating connection i? to swing downwards the pivoted knife i5 for label severing and applying purposes.

The operating connection ll consists of a link 62 and a fiat plate variety arm E3. The link extends substantially vertically and depends from the front or distal end of the handle [6. The upper end of the link is pivotally connected to the front end of the handle by way of a horizontal pivot pin 64. The arm 63 underlies the handle l6 and is substantially L-shaped. It is disposed outwards of the side wall 19 of the frame, consists of a downwardly and rearwardly extending long leg 65 and a downwardly and forwardly extending short leg 66, and is pivoted to swing upwards and downwards by way of a horizontal pivot pin 61. The latter extends through aligned holes in the lower or free end of the long leg 65 of the arm 63 and the central portion of the frame side I9. The link 62 is pivotally connected to the flat plate variety arm 83 by a horizontal pivot pin 68. Such pin extends through a hole in the lower end of the link 62 and an aligned hole in the portion of the arm that is at the juncture of the long and short legs 65 and 66. The central portion of the link 62 is bent so that it extends substantially horizontally. As a result of this the upper and lower ends of the link 62 are laterally offset and hence the link serves operatively to connect the front end of the handle to the arm 63 even through the handle and arm are not in vertical alignment. The forwardly and downwardly extending short leg 68 of the fiat plate variety arm 63 is slidably mounted between two vertically extending laterally spaced ears 69. The lower ends of these ears are preferably formed integrally with the foremost bearing 53. Upward and downward swinging of the arms 63 is limited by a pin and slot connection consisting of an arcuate slot H! in the short leg 66 of the arm 63 and a horizontal pin ll. Such pin extends transversely through the slot '10 and has its ends mounted in holes in the upper ends of the ears 69. The arcuate slot FE extends lengthwise of the leg 66 and is arranged in concentric relation with the pin 61 that constitutes the pivot for the arm 63. The front lower corner of the short leg 66 of the arm is provided with a pair of spaced apart, laterally extending, depending ears 72. Disposed between these cars is a roller 73 which is rotatably supported by a pin M. This pin extends between the ears 12 and has its ends fixed within the holes in the ears. The roller 73 is arranged so as to ride on the cam surface 66. When the arm 63 is swung downwards in response to downward swinging of the handle I6 relatively to the frame II] the roller '13 rides downwards on the cam surface 60 and coac'ts with the latter to cause the pivoted knife l5 to swing downwards across the cutting edge of the fixed knife bar l4. When the arm 63 swings upwards the roller 13 rides upwards on the cam surface and permits upward swinging of the pivoted knife [5 in response to the action of the coil variety spring 56. When the handle I6 is released after a label cutting and applying operation the pivoted knife H3 in response to upward swinging thereof by the spring 56, operates through the medium of the cam surface 60 and the roller '13 to swing the arm 63 and the handle i6 upwards into their retracted or normal position. When it is desired to apply a name and address bearing label to an article to be mailed the handle 16 is grasped by the operator and used to place the device in proper position on the article. As soon as the device is at rest on the article the handle 56 is swung downwards relatively to the frame 10. As previously pointed out, this results in the operating connection i7, consisting of the depending link 62 and the L-shaped and the label is pressed into adhering relation with the article. In connection with upward swinging of the handle i 6 relatively to the frame ID the pivoted knife i swings upwards into its normal position wherein it is again in readiness to sever the next following portion of the freeend of the strip.

The ratchet unit 49 operates in response to upward swinging of the arm 63, after a label cutting and applying operation, to drive the feed rolls I2 and I3 so that they feed the free end of the rolled strip forwards the proper distance to bring the next following label ahead of the cutting edge 59 of the fixed knife bar 14. It is located outwards of the frame side l9 and consists of a ratchet wheel and a pair of pawls 16 and Ti. The ratchet wheel 15 is disposed directly outwards of the gear 4'! and is fixed to the adjacent end of the shaft 35. The pawl Iii serves to transmit rotary motion to the ratchet wheel 15 during upward swing of the arm 63. It is pivotally connected to the lower rear or inner corner of the short leg 66 of the arm 63 by a horizontal pivot pin 18 and has associated therewith a spring 19 for urging the distal end thereof into engagement with the ratchet wheel 15. The other pawl, i. e., the pawl H, serves to prevent backward movement of the ratchet wheel. It overlies the rearmost bearing 53 and is pivotally supported by way of a horizontal pin 8!]. The latter extends loosely through a hole in the central portion of the pawl 11 and is suitably anchored to the frame side l9. One end of the pawl "5'! is hook shaped in order to receive the teeth on the periphery of the ratchet wheel 15. A V-shaped spring BI is applied to the other end of the pawl H and operates to urge the pawl in such direction that the hook shaped end bears against the ratchet wheel. The central or apex portion of the spring 8| is mounted on a screw 82 which extends into an internally threaded socket or hole in the side [9 of the frame. One end of the spring 8! bears against the rearmost bearing 53 and the other end of the spring bears against said other end of the pawl 11. When the arm 62 swings upwards at the end of a label cutting and applying operation the pawl 16 operates .to turn the ratchet wheel 75 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figures 1 and 5. Such turning on the part of the ratchet wheel results in the feed rolls l2 and I3 being so driven in opposite directions that they feed forwards the free end of the rolled strip S.

The herein described mailing device effectively and efiiciently fulfills its intended purpose and is capable of being operated or manipulated at a high rate of speed and with facility. It consists of but a comparatively small number of parts and hence may be produced at a comparatively low cost. By reason of the fact that downward swinging of the pivoted knife is is effected by the handle it which the operator uses to manipulate the device control of the device is materially simplified.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I lit) claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A mailing device comprising a horizontally elongated. frame embodying a substantially fiat bottom and spaced apart upstanding sides, having at the rear end thereof means for supporting a printed strip in roll form, and provided at its front end with a transverse knife bar fixed to the front end of said bottom and a coacting transverse knife mounted pivotally to swing upwards and downwards, adapted when swung downwards to coact with the knife bar to effect cutting of the strip, and provided on the upper side thereof with a cam surface, a spring associated with the frame and arranged to urge the knife upwards, means between the knife bar and the supporting means for feeding the free end of the strip towards the front end of the frame and between the knife bar and knife, an elongated handle dispcsed above and extending lengthwise of the frame, positioned midway between the frame sides, and having its rear end pivotally connected to the sides so that it is free to swing upwardsand downwards, an operating connection extending between the handle and knife, adapted to control the knife so that it swings downwards in response to downward swinging of the handle and swings upwards in response to upward swinging of the handle, and embodying an upstanding link having the upper end thereof pivotally connected to the front end of the handle, and an elongated arm extending lengthwise of the frame, disposed adjacent one of the sides of the frame, having its rear end pivoted to the frame so that it is free to swing upwards and downwards, having its central upper portion pivotally connected to the lower end of the link, and provided at its front end with an element arranged to ride on the cam surface, means for limiting swinging movement of the arm comprising an arcuate slot in the front end of the arm and a pin extending through the slot and mounted fixedly on the frame adjacent said one side and a ratchet unit operate-d when the handle and knife are swung upwards to drive the feed rolls for strip feeding purposes and embodying a pawl pivotally mounted on said arm.

2. A mailing device comprising a horizontally elongated frame embodying a substantially flat bottom and fixed, spaced apart upstanding sides, having at the rear end thereof means for supporting a printed strip in roll form, and provided at its front end with a transverse knife bar fixed to the front end of said bottom and a coacting transverse knife mounted pivotally to swing upwards and downwards, adapted when swung downwards to coast with the knife bar to effect cutting of the strip, and provided on the upper side thereof with a cam surface, a spring associated with the frame and arranged to urge the knife upwards, a pair of coacting feed rolls mounted on the frame between the knife bar and the strip supporting means, geared together for conjoint drive in opposite directions and adapted during drive to feed the free end of the strip toward the front end of the frame and past the knife bar and knife, an elongated handle disposed above and extending lengthwise of the frame, positioned midway between the frame sides, and having its rear end pivotally connected to the sides so that it is free to swing upwards and downwards, an operating connection extending between the handle and knife, adapted to control the knife so that it swings downwards in response to downward swinging of the handle and swings upwards in response to upward swinging of the handle, and embodying an upstanding link having the upper end thereof pivotally connected to the front end of the handle and an elongated arm extending lengthwise of the frame, disposed adjacent one of the sides of the frame, having its rear end pivoted to the frame so that it is free to swing upwards and downwards, having its central portion pivotally connected to the lower end of the link, and provided at its front end with an element adapted to ride on he cam surface, and a ratchet unit operative automatically in response to upward swinging of the knife and handle to drive the feed rolls for strip feeding purposes and consisting of a ratchet wheel on one of the feed rolls and a pivotally mounted pawl on the arm.

3. A mailing device comprising a horizontally elongated frame embodying a substantially flat bottom and spaced apart upstanding sides, having at the rear end thereof means for supporting a printed strip in roll form, and provided at its front end with a transverse knife bar fixed to the front end of said bottom and a coasting transverse knife mounted pivotally to swing upwards and downwards, adapted when swung downwards to coact with the knife bar to effect cutting of the strip, and provided on the upper side thereof with an open type cam surface, a spring associated with the frame and arranged to urge the knife upwards, a pair of coacting feed rolls mounted on the frame between the knife bar and the supporting means, geared together for conjoint drive in opposite directions and adapted during drive to feed the free end of the strip toward the front end of the frame and between the knife bar and knife, an elongated handle disposed above and extending lengthwise of the frame, positioned midway between the frame sides, and having its rear end pivotally connected to the sides so that it is free to swing upwards and downwards, an operating connection extending between the handle and the knife. adapted to control the knife so that it swings downwards in response to downward swinging of the handle and swings upwards in response to upward swinging of the handle, and embodying an upstanding link having the upper end thereof pivotally connected to the front end of the handle, and an elongated arm extending lengthwise of the frame, disposed outwards of one of the sides of the frame, having its rear end pivoted to the frame so that it is free to swing upwards and downwards, having its central upper portion pivotally connected to the lower end of the link, and provided at its front end with a roller arranged to ride on the cam surface, means for limiting swinging movement of the arm comprising an arcuate slot in the front end of the arm and a pin extending through the slot and mounted fixedly on the frame adjacent said one side, and a ratchet unit operative automatically in connection with upward swinging of the knife and handle to drive the feed rolls for strip feeding purposes consist ing of a ratchet wheel on one of the rolls and a pivotally mounted pawl on the arm.

WALTER SEIGENTHALER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 519,185 Horton May 1, 1894 1,513,876 Ning Nov. 4, 1924 1,658,989 Keck Feb. 14, 1928 1,894,379 Link Jan. 17, 1933 1,956,742 Koss, J12, et a1 May 1, 1934 2,509,641 Hillmer May 30, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 469,720 France Aug. 7, 1914 

